Eugenol: In Vitro and In Ovo Assessment to Explore Cytotoxic Effects on Osteosarcoma and Oropharyngeal Cancer Cells.

Cancer is a significant health problem worldwide; consequently, new therapeutic alternatives are being investigated, including those found in the vegetable kingdom. Eugenol (Eug) has attracted attention for its therapeutic properties, especially in stomatology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of Eug, in vitro, on osteosarcoma (SAOS-2) and oropharyngeal squamous cancer (Detroit-562) cells, as well as its potential irritant effect in ovo at the level of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The data obtained following a 72 h Eug treatment highlighted the reduction in cell viability up to 41% in SAOS-2 cells and up to 37% in Detroit-562 cells, respectively. The apoptotic-like effect of Eug was indicated by the changes in cell morphology and nuclear aspect; the increase in caspase-3/7, -8 and -9 activity; the elevated expression of Bax and Bad genes; and the increase in luminescence signal (indicating phosphatidylserine externalization) that preceded the increase in fluorescence signal (indicating the compromise of membrane integrity). Regarding the vascular effects, slight signs of coagulation and vascular lysis were observed, with an irritation score of 1.69 for Eug 1 mM. Based on these results, the efficiency of Eug in cancer treatment is yet to be clarified.

Beneficial Effects of Resveratrol and γ-Cyclodextrin on the Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Healthy Wistar Rats Treated with Cisplatin: A PCA Approach.

It is well known that platinum-based antineoplastic agents, including cisplatin (CP), have side effects that limit their use. Nefrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hemolytic anemia are the most common side effects. There are few studies on the reduction in these effects that involves nanoencapsulation; however, almost none involve cyclodextrins (CDs). Changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters of healthy Wistar rats treated with solutions of γ-cyclodextrin/resveratrol/cisplatin (γ-CD/Rv/CP) ternary complexes are investigated for the first time. They are intraperitoneally injected with γ-CD/Rv/CP solutions containing 5 mg CP/kg.b.w. Single shots were administered to six groups of Wistar rats (six individuals for every group) using γ-CD/Rv/CP, γ-CD/CP, γ-CD/Rv complexes, as well as positive- and negative-control groups, respectively. Thirty-two hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated from blood samples and used as input variables for the principal component analysis (PCA) discrimination of the groups. The best protection was obtained for the γ-CD/Rv/CP ternary complex, which determined closer biochemical values to the control group. These values significantly differ from those of the γ-CD/CP treated group, especially for the IP, UA, and T-Pro kidney-related biochemical parameters. This finding proves the beneficial influence of Rv during CP administration through CD-based carriers.

Assessing the Sealing Performance and Clinical Outcomes of Endodontic Treatment in Patients with Chronic Apical Periodontitis Using Epoxy Resin and Calcium Salicylate Seals.

Background and Objectives: Recognizing the significance of a hermetic apical seal for successful root canal treatment, the present investigation aimed to evaluate two sealing materials through an in vitro analysis, as well as to ascertain the clinical outcomes of patients treated with these two sealers in an in vivo setting. Materials and Methods: For the in vitro part of the study, two control groups of thirty monoradicular teeth were obturated with two sealers. Then, the sealers' performance was tested based on a predefined protocol. Group A included 30 patients treated with an epoxy oligomer resin-based sealer (Adseal, MetaBiomed), while Group S comprised 30 patients treated with a polymeric calcium salicylate-based sealer (Sealapex, Kerr). Samples were sectioned and evaluated under the microscope to determine the sealer's tightness by measuring the dye penetration into the root canal filling. For the in vivo part, a prospective study was designed to include 60 patients with chronic apical periodontitis in two endodontic treatment groups, using the same two sealers. Results: The in vitro analysis found that dye penetration in Group A was 0.82 mm (±0.428), while in Group S, the dye penetration was statistically significantly deeper, being 1.23 mm (±0.353). In the in vivo part of the study, the periapical index (PAI) significantly decreased 6 months after endodontic treatment, with 80.0% of patients in Group A having a PAI score of 2 compared to only 56.7% in Group S (p-value = 0.018). Similarly, tooth mobility scores significantly decreased after treatment, but with no difference between groups. The marginal bone loss decreased significantly more in the Adseal group compared to the Sealapex group (23.3% vs. 50.0%, p-value = 0.032). At the same time, 40.0% of patients in Group S had failed tooth healing compared to only 13.3% in Group A (p-value = 0.048). Conclusions: The in vitro study showed that Adseal had a better sealing capacity and a lower degree of dye penetration compared to Sealapex. However, on clinical evaluation in the in vivo study, both patient groups exhibited significant improvements in periapical index, tooth mobility scores, and pain reduction following endodontic treatment. Nevertheless, patients treated with Adseal showed a significantly greater improvement in PAI values, tooth mobility, and teeth healing after treatment. Overall, Adseal, as an endodontic sealer, may provide better sealing capabilities and enhanced clinical outcomes in the treatment of chronic apical periodontitis.

Patterns of Mandibular Fractures through Human Aggression: A 10-Year Cross-Sectional Cohort Retrospective Study.

The World Health Organization considers the victims of interpersonal violence to be a medical priority. In order to provide services at the highest level, we aimed to evaluate the patterns of maxillofacial fractures caused by interpersonal violence, in order to treat, counsel and guide these patients. This retrospective study was conducted in 478 patients with mandibular fractures caused by interpersonal violence over 10 years in a university clinic. The most affected were male patients (95.19%), 20-29 years of age (46.86%), under the influence of alcohol (83.26%) and without education (43.9%). The majority of mandibular fractures were displaced (89.3%) and intraorally open (64.0%). The most frequent location was the mandibular angle (34.84%). The most frequent soft tissue lesions were hematomas (45.04%) and abrasions (34.71%), being associated frequently with closed (p = 0.945/p = 0.237), displaced (p = 0.001/p = 0.002), single angle fractures (p = 0.081/p = 0.222). Educating the population and fighting alcohol consumption would decrease the occurrence of mandibular fractures through aggression. Clinical diagnosis should be made, keeping in mind that the severity of associated soft tissue lesions is directly proportional to the pattern and number of underlying fracture lines.

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Parental Concerns in the Pediatric Surgery Department during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various aspects of healthcare, including pediatric surgery. This study aimed to assess parental concerns and stress levels in pediatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, identify factors associated with increased parental anxiety or concern, and provide recommendations for healthcare providers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Timisoara, Romania, involving 174 parents of pediatric patients requiring elective or emergency surgery, with a mean age of 37.6 (25-47) years, out of which 89.1% of respondents were women. Parental concerns were assessed using the Parental Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Parents of children undergoing emergency surgery (n = 108) reported higher levels on the practical impact domain of the PCQ scale (3.4 vs. 2.2, p < 0.001), emotional impact (2.7 vs. 2.2, p = 0.002), and total PCQ score (9.5 vs. 7.7, p < 0.001) compared to parents of children undergoing elective surgery (n = 66). Parents in the emergent surgery group also reported higher anxiety scores on the HADS questionnaire (7.9 vs. 6.5, p = 0.009) and higher perceived stress and total score on the PSS-10 survey (7.8 vs. 5.6, p = 0.046) (10.5 vs. 9.1, p = 0.047), respectively. A significantly higher proportion of parents in the emergent surgery group were concerned about restricted visitation policies (p = 0.013) and reported delaying or considering delaying their child's surgery due to the pandemic (p = 0.036). The results demonstrate heightened concerns, anxiety, and stress among parents of children undergoing emergency surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare providers should address parental concerns, provide clear communication, and ensure adequate support for families. Recommendations include enhancing information about COVID-19 precautions, reassuring parents about personal protective equipment availability, and facilitating family support within visitation restrictions.

Laboratory Findings and Clinical Outcomes of ICU-admitted COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Assessment of Particularities Identified among Romanian Minorities.

The Roma population accounts for over 3% (approximately 10 to 15 million) of Romania's permanent population, and it represents one of Europe's most impoverished populations. Due to poverty and unemployment, Romania's Roma minority may have diminished access to healthcare and preventive medicine. The limited existing evidence suggests that the European Roma group has been at a higher risk of becoming ill and dying during the pandemic owing to their lifestyle choices, socioeconomic circumstances, and genetic pathophysiological traits. As a result, the purpose of the present research was to investigate the link between the inflammatory markers implicated and the clinical progression of COVID-19 in Roma patients who were brought to the intensive care unit. We considered 71 Roma patients admitted to the ICU with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 213 controls from the general population with the same inclusion criteria. The body mass index of patients was statistically significantly higher among Roma patients, with more than 57% being overweight, compared with 40.7% in the control group. Frequent smoking was more prevalent in patients of Roma ethnicity admitted to the ICU and the number of comorbidities. We observed a significantly higher proportion of severe imaging features at admission in the group of cases, although this difference may have been associated with the higher prevalence of smoking in this group. The mean duration of hospitalization was longer by 1.8 days than the control group. Elevated ESR levels were observed in 54.0% of Roma patients at admission, compared with 38.9% in the control group. Similarly, 47.6% of them had elevated CRP levels. IL-6 increased significantly at the time of ICU admission, similarly to the significant rise in the CRP levels, compared with the general population. However, the proportion of intubated patients and mortality did not differ significantly. On multivariate analysis, the Roma ethnicity significantly influenced the CRP (ß = 1.93, p-value = 0.020) and IL-6 (ß = 1.85, p-value = 0.044). It is necessary to plan different healthcare strategies aimed at special populations, such as the Roma ethnicity, to prevent the reduced disparities presented in in this study.

Nicotine Exerts Cytotoxic Effects in a Panel of Healthy Cell Lines and Strong Irritating Potential on Blood Vessels.

The use of tobacco products is a major global public health issue, as it is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. In addition, nicotine (NIC) is a key component of electronic and conventional cigarettes. Although nicotine's addictive potential is well known, its health effects are not entirely understood. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate its toxicological profile both in vitro, at the level of three healthy cell lines, and in ovo, at the level of the chorioallantoic membrane. Five different concentrations of nicotine were used in keratinocytes, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes for the purpose of evaluating cell viability, cell morphology, and its impact on nuclei. Additionally, the hen's egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) method was used to assess the biocompatibility and irritant potential of the chorioallantoic membrane. Across all cell lines studied, nicotine was proven to be significantly damaging to cell viability, with the highest concentration tested resulting in less than 2% viable cells. Moreover, the morphology of cells changed dramatically, with alterations in their shape and confluence. Nicotine-induced cell death appears to be apoptotic, based on its impact on the nucleus. In addition, nicotine was also found to have a very strong irritating effect on the chorioallantoic membrane. In conclusion, nicotine has an extremely strong toxicological profile, as demonstrated by the drastic reduction of cell viability and the induction of morphological changes and nuclear alterations associated with cellular apoptosis. Additionally, the HET-CAM method led to the observation of a strong irritating effect associated with nicotine.

COVID-19: Main findings after a year and half of unease and the proper scientific progress (Review).

Since the emergence of the disease in late December 2019, numerous studies have been published to date regarding clinical, laboratory and treatment aspects associated with COVID-19. The present study attempts to compare and unify the clinical, para-clinical and therapeutic aspects that have come to light regarding coronavirus disease-19 (COVID 19), mainly in adults. Between April 2020 and September 2021, a comprehensive systematic literature review was performed, which we added to from our own medical experiences. The search was performed on the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, comprising studies with analyzable data that were identified alongside studies and documents containing general scientific data. All published studies were written in English, and were from different countries. A 95% confidence interval (CI95) was also calculated for almost each study using the Wilson formula. When compared with preliminary reports between December 2019 and January 2020, the most frequent symptoms were still identified as being fever (68.6%; CI95: 67.5-69.7) and cough (72.7%; CI95: 71.7-73.8). Nevertheless, asymptomatic cases also increased (by 21.4%; CI95: 16.6-27.1). Severe and critical cases accounted for 10.4% (CI95: 9.6-11.1) of all cases. The mean fatality rate was found to be 4% (CI95: 3.6-4.5). The primary co-morbidity found was hypertension (28.9%; CI95: 27-30.8), followed by other underlying cardiovascular diseases (15.4%; CI95: 13.9-16.9) and diabetes (14.5%; CI95: 13.1-16.1). The majority of studies showed lower white blood cell numbers with neutropenia and lymphopenia, and lower platelet levels. The levels of the biomarkers C-reaction protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were positive in all studied cases alongside other lab tests, such as examining the D-dimer levels and those of other hepatic, cardiac and renal injury markers. The procalcitonin level was also found to be elevated in many cases, resulting in high usage of antibiotics (83.7%; CI95: 81.2-85.9). Approximately 31.6% (CI95: 29.1-34.1) of the patients required non-invasive ventilation, whereas 9.9% (CI95: 8.1-12.1) of the patients were intubated or placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The most used antivirals were ribavirin (67.3%; CI95: 63.4-70.9), oseltamivir (52.5%; CI95: 49.4-55.5) and Arbidol™ (34.5%; CI95: 32-37.1). General admittance to the intensive care unit was ~7.2% (CI95: 6.5-7.9) of patients.

Toxicological Assessment of an Acrylic Removable Orthodontic Appliance Using 2D and 3D In Vitro Methods.

Malocclusion is a global health problem, mainly affecting children and adolescents. For this reason, orthodontic treatment must be, on the one hand, safe, non-toxic, and effective and, on the other hand, it must have the best possible esthetic profile. Thus, the use of orthodontic appliances is addressed to all age groups, including young children, for a long period of time, which is why their safety profile is a matter of real interest. For this reason, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the safety and biocompatibility of an acrylic removable orthodontic appliance made of polymethylmethacrylate and stainless steel alloy made by our team of researchers. To verify the biocompatibility of the medical device, it was immersed in artificial saliva with three different pHs (3, 7, and 10) for a period of ten days. Subsequently, the three types of saliva were tested on human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) in terms of viability and modification of cell morphology. Finally, the use of 3D reconstructed human epidermis verified the cytotoxic and irritating potential of the medical device, thus providing relevant information regarding its biocompatibility. The results revealed that by maintaining the orthodontic device in the saliva there is no release of substances with a toxic effect on the human keratinocytes and on the 3D reconstructed human epidermis. There were also no significant changes in cell morphology. In conclusion, it is suggested that the acrylic removable appliance has a safety profile recommended for in vivo use.

A DPPH· Kinetic Approach on the Antioxidant Activity of Various Parts and Ripening Levels of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Ethanolic Extracts.

Papaya fruits (Carica papaya L.) are valuable both as food, including concentrates and mixed beverages and in traditional medicine. The goal of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various parts of unripe and ripe papaya fruit from the DPPH· kinetics point of view. Peel, pulp, seed, and seed-pulp of unripe and ripe papaya fruits (» and >¾ level of ripening) were extracted with ethanol and monitored at 517 nm in the presence of DPPH·. The radical scavenging capacity (RSC) at various time ranges and DPPH· reaction rates for specific time intervals were determined. The highest RSC values were obtained for papaya pulp extracts, consistently higher for the ripe samples in comparison with the unripe ones (86.4% and 41.3%). The DPPH· rates significantly differ for the unripe and ripe papaya extracts, especially for the first time range. They are more than double for the ripe papaya. These values were 2.70, 4.00, 3.25, 2.75 µM/s for the peel, pulp, seed, seed-pulp extracts from the ripe papaya and only 1.00, 1.65, 1.40, 1.80 µM/s for the unripe samples. DPPH· kinetic approach can be useful for a fast and simple evaluation of the overall antioxidant properties of fruit extracts.

Structure-property relationships on recrystallized ß-cyclodextrin solvates: A focus on X-ray diffractometry, FTIR and thermal analyses.

The goal of the study was to evaluate the influence of the solvent properties on the crystal characteristics of ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) recrystallized from alcohol-water solvent mixtures, with possible applications for the preparation, purifying and complexation of ß-CD. For the first time, structure-property relationships (QSPRs) between the hydrophobicity of alcohols or dielectric constant of solvents used for recrystallization of ß-CD and its properties (such as crystallinity index, CI) have been obtained. Recrystallized ß-CD from water and C1-C4 alcohol-water solutions provide ß-CD with higher CI values of 99.4(±5.9)% for ethanol-water (1:4, v/v) as recrystallizing system. This property has a parabolic variation with the logP (octanol/water partition coefficient) of the alcohol (r2 = 0.998). Solvent parameters also influence the ß-CD crystal characteristics, as was demonstrated by X-ray diffractometry refinement, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analyses.

Interrelation between facial soft tissue lessions, underlying fracture patterns and treatment of zygomatic bone trauma: a 10 year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The pattern of zygomatic bone fractures varies in the literature, their features being frequently masked by the presence of associated soft tissue lesions. In this context the clinical diagnosis and the therapeutic indications can be difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of zygomatic bone fractures and their interrelation with concomitant overlying soft tissue injuries, as well as to assess the type of treatment methods applied depending on the fracture pattern and the results achieved depending on the incidence rate of postoperative complications. We will use these results in order to improve the diagnosis and the establishment of correct treatment of this pathology. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective evaluation of midface fractures was performed in patients diagnosed and treated in a tertiary Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Statistical analysis was performed with the MedCalc Statistical Software version 19.2 (MedCalc Software bvba, Ostend, Belgium; 53 https://www.medcalc.org ; 2020). Nominal data were expressed as frequency and percentage. The comparisons of the frequencies of a nominal variable among the categories of another nominal variable were made using the chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regressions were used in order to establish the independent association between variables and lacerations/excoriations. After using the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, a value of p < 0.025 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study included 242 patients with zygomatic bone fractures. The majority of the fractures were displaced n = 179 (73.9%), closed n = 179 (73.9%) and complete n = 219 (90.5%). Hematoma was the most frequent associated soft tissue lesion n = 102 (42.1%) regardless of the fracture pattern (p = 1.000). Complete zygomatic fracture (OR - 2.68; p = 0.035) and fractures with displacement (OR - 3.66; p = 0.012) were independently associated with the presence of laceration. Fractures with displacement (OR - 7.1; p = 0.003) were independently associated with the presence of excoriation. The most frequent type of treatment applied was Gillies reduction (61.9%), followed by ORIF (30.9%). The most frequent postoperative complication was malunion secondary to Gillies treatment (4,6%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting lacerations and excoriations on clinical soft tissue examination will most frequently have an underlying complete, displaced or comminuted zygomatic fracture. In the case of displaced, open or comminuted fractures we achieved the best results secondary to ORIF treatment method, while in the case of non-displaced and closed fractures, the best results achieved were secondary to conservative treatment.

Oral cancer histopathological subtypes in association with risk factors: a 5-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a worldwide public health problem, being the sixth most common neoplasm. The high mortality rate of this type of cancer is due to a delayed diagnosis, a fast evolution and metastasis, no primary symptomatology, the multitude of risk factors and the lack of awareness among the population concerning oral malignancy. AIM: The aim of this 5-year retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of oral cancer patients in the Clinic of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Emergency County Hospital, Timisoara, Romania and quantify the histopathological (HP) subtypes, localization, age, gender, tumor staging and differentiation, positive loco-regional lymph nodes and risk factors. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: A number of 129 patients diagnosed with oral cancer were included in the study and their medical records were analyzed. A statistical analysis was performed that included the variables gender, age, tumor staging, differentiation grade, HP subtype, lymph nodes, localization, and risk factors. RESULTS: Our results outlined a high prevalence of oral cancer among males (65.9%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common HP subtype. Tumor staging revealed the fact that the majority of were T3 and T4 tumors with dissemination in the loco-regional lymph nodes. In 52% of the cases, tobacco was identified as a risk factor, and the association of tobacco and alcohol was present in 28.3% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The early diagnosis is crucial for the improvement of oral cancer survival rate. The oral cavity is permanently exposed to carcinogenic substances that associated with other risk factors have an influence upon the incidence of oral malignancies.

Contribution of the cyto-histopathological diagnosis and ultrastructural parameters to the evaluation of maxillary cysts - a 10-year multidisciplinary approach.

Diagnostic and treatment plans in cystic jawbone tumors are often difficult to address. The etiopathogenic links involved in cell-matrix differentiation disorders are complex. Quantification of the inflammatory process in the evolution of cystic odontogenic lesions highlights a particular reactivity of the host, especially age-dependent and the endodontic-periodontal space interrelation, drawing attention to the difficulties of etiopathogenic, evolution, prognostic and treatment of these lesions. Difficulties in histopathological (HP) diagnosis are reported by the lack of morphofunctional integration of dental tissues, both topographically and evolutionarily, especially when odontogenic epithelial remains in the cystic wall, reactive bone condition, appearance and condition of the reactive epithelium are overlooked. In this study, we developed an interdisciplinary approach for the dynamics of tissue morphology found in the walls of maxillary cysts. Failure to recognize the tissues that form the cystic lesion leads to misinterpretations of pathology and to the wrong classification in the group of maxillary cysts. We analyzed by different techniques 564 biopsy fragments from maxillary cystic lesions, most of which are clinically classified as inflammatory or odontogenic ones. From our experience, we reevaluated the lesions with cystic changes and completed the diagnosis in 10-12% of cases. The most common maxillary cystic lesion encountered by us was the root cyst, an inflammatory dental cyst, which has been over diagnosed clinically, radiologically and histopathologically. Recognition and selection of embryonic remnants from odontogenesis is crucial for the HP diagnosis of maxillary cysts, allowing the clinician to monitor treatment or to develop evolutionary-prognostic perspectives of odontogenic cystic lesions.